Our office staff is working remotely due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But we remain committed to helping our clients and answering your questions. Call/text (312) 940-8330 or email us at office@ddtlawgroup.com

Our office staff is working remotely due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But we remain committed to helping our clients and answering your questions. Call/text (312) 940-8330 or email us at office@ddtlawgroup.com

Illinois Traffic Violation and DUI Lawyers

Scott’s Law (Emergency Vehicles)

Last updated on April 2, 2020

Scott’s Law is an Illinois statute enacted after the tragic death of Chicago first responder, Scott Gillen. While the driver will officially be cited for “Failure To Yield To An Emergency Vehicle,” many lawyers, judges and police officers refer to it as “Scott’s Law.”

Scott’s Law is named for Lt. Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department. Lt. Gillen lost his life on December 23, 2000, after an intoxicated driver sped through an accident scene he was attending to and pinned him against a fire truck. The law is intended to protect police and fire officials who are doing their duty.

If you take only one of these three actions, you could receive a ticket for Failure To Yield To An Emergency Vehicle. For example, you may change lanes to create space between your car and the emergency vehicle but fail to reduce your speed. Alternatively, you might slow down but not change lanes, even though it is possible to do so.

Some elements of this offense, such as whether a driver proceeds with caution or has the ability to change lanes, will depend on the circumstances. Your lawyer can defend your perspective of the incident.

Because a ticket under for failure to yield to an emergency vehicle can keep you off the road and result in financial hardship, it’s often worth it to dispute the charge or discuss your rights with an attorney.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

It is not recommended that you fight a Scott’s Law ticket on your own. This is due to the fact that the penalties are severe. The lawyers at DDT Law Group will present a valid defense and negotiate with the prosecutor to protect your driving privileges or reduce your fine.

We provide free consultations to anyone ticketed under Scott’s Law. Please contact us to speak with a lawyer about your options under Scott’s Law. We know the law and can help you get through your legal challenge.

Quick Questions & Answers

Does this only apply to police and fire vehicles?

No, it applies to any vehicle authorized by law to be equipped with oscillating lights. This includes all types of police and fire vehicles. It also may include ambulances, rescue vehicles, many licensed tow trucks, emergency management vehicles, vehicles from many federal agencies, and even some buses. As a rule of thumb, it’s probably a good idea to take the actions required under the law each time you see a vehicle with oscillating lights.

Can you get a DUI or speeding ticket in addition to a Scott’s Law ticket?

Yes. It is common to receive multiple tickets when stopped for Scott’s Law. If this happens to you, it is critical that you contact an experienced traffic attorney.

What is the best way to avoid one of these tickets?

The best way to avoid this ticket is to move out of the lane closest to the emergency vehicle. This is why it is often called the “Move Over” law. Of course, it is not always possible or safe to do this. So if you’re stuck in a situation where you could not move over and received a ticket, you should contact us to defend you.

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Driver Defense Team is an Illinois Traffic Ticket Violation Law Firm with offices located in Chicago and Stone Park, and representing clients throughout the greater Chicago area including but not limited to Schaumburg, Wheaton, Naperville and Skokie. We represent clients in all courthouses within Cook, DuPage and Lake Counties.